Lewis leading first Smyrna-Clayton Relay for Life cancer fundraiser

Staci Lewis is leading the organization of the first Smyrna-Clayton Relay For Life walk-a-thon fundraiser that will be held at Smyrna High School in May to benefit the American Cancer Society. There's still time for teams and individuals to register for the event.

Staci Lewis is leading the organization of the first Smyrna-Clayton Relay For Life walk-a-thon fundraiser that will be held at Smyrna High School in May to benefit the American Cancer Society. The Sun-Times asked Lewis about the event and how people can get involved.

Q Can you briefly describe what happens at the Relay For Life event?

A Relay For Life is an event that is hard to describe. You really need to experience it. There are many moments that create the Relay experience. All Relay events include a Survivor's Lap, a Luminaria Ceremony, a Fight Back Ceremony and Closing Ceremony. The most imporant part of Relay in my eyes is that one person can make a difference. The mechanics of the Relay are that someone from your team is walking on the track at all times. It is an overnight event from 7 p.m. on May 18 until 7 a.m. May 19. You aren't required to be there or walk the whole time but you will find it hard to leave! The outpouring of support is amazing and it really shines a light on the scope of how cancer touches so many people in our community.

Q Why did you want to be a part of the Smyrna-Clayton event and take on the responsibility as the chairperson?

A I am very lucky that my immediate family has not been touched by cancer, but I have many friends and extended family members who have been affected. I became a Relay For Life participant as a part of the FEA team at the Central Delaware Relay two years ago.

Q What are your goals for the event?

A Our goal this year is to raise awareness of the support that the American Cancer Society provides and also to raise as much money as possible. We also want to show other communities that we all demonstrate our core values of compassion and caring.

Q When and where are the next Relay for Life organizational meetings?

A We have team meetings at 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Smyrna High School, room 262, and the committee meeting is immediately afterward.

Q Can people still join Relay For Life?

A Absolutely! You can visit the website www.relayforlife.org/smyrnade to register as an individual or join a team. There is no minimum or maximum number of people so recruit your friends and family to help us show our community spirit, pride, and compassion. There is a $10 per person registration fee and the theme this year is to raise $212 per person, but again this is not a requirement.

Q Does Relay For Life need donations of supplies and how can people or businesses donate them?

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A We don't have a budget so we will take any donations that people are willing to make. Call or text me, (302) 545-9598. We are also holding a quarter auction at the Mamie S. Warren Senior Center on March 30 and need to sell tickets and get raffle items.

MORE ABOUT RELAY FOR LIFE

For more information on the Relay for Life event, see the website www.relayforlife.org/smyrnade or “like” the Facebook page “Relay For Life of Smyrna/Clayton” or email SmyrnaClaytonRelayForLife@gmail.com or call (302) 545-9598.